Getting into a car accident is never a pleasant experience, but as long as you emerge alive, you’ll have a path to recovery. Unfortunately, even if you’ve never been in a car accident and you always drive safely, chances are good that you’ll someday be involved in an accident; the average consumer flies a claim for a collision about once every 17.9 years. If you got your license at 16, you’ll probably be in at least one crash by the time you’re 34.

So what are the most likely injuries you could suffer in a car accident, and how can you recover from them?

What to Do First

Before you worry about what injuries you’ve sustained, there are some practices you should follow immediately after being involved in a car accident. First, try to get to a point of safety as quickly as possible; this may involve moving your car to the side of the road and getting out of the vehicle. Then, check to see if anyone else involved in the crash needs immediate assistance, and call an ambulance if necessary. You’ll also want to file a police report for your records, especially if you weren’t at fault for the accident; eventually, you may want to follow up with legal action if the at-fault driver’s insurance policy doesn’t cover you completely.

If you’re injured in any way, it’s a good idea to be evaluated by a medical professional; sometimes, your body sustains damage that isn’t easily seen or detected.

Most Common Injuries

These are some of the most common injuries you can expect after being involved in a car accident:

1. Brain and head injuries. Brain and head injuries are an umbrella category of different injuries, including small cuts, bruises, and fractures. In severe cases, you may suffer a concussion or an internal brain injury. If you suspect you may have sustained damage to the brain, you will require an emergency evaluation to prevent any further damage—even if there aren’t any external signs of injury.

2. Neck and back injuries. Neck and back injuries can also be devastating. Because of how you sit in a typical vehicle, it’s common to experience neck strain or whiplash injuries, contusions, or strains and sprains to the back. In many cases, this damage is reversible, and will naturally heal with time. In other cases, you may deal with chronic pain for many years, or even the rest of your life. In severe cases, a spine fracture or spinal cord injury can leave you disabled if not treated immediately.

3. Extremity and joint damage. Car accidents might also affect your extremities and joints, depending on how you were hit. It’s not uncommon to see broken bones, fractures, strains, sprains, bruises, and cuts on victims. Fortunately, most of these injuries will heal on their own in time, in a period of weeks to months after the accident, but are often accompanied by pain. A medical professional can examine and classify the damage you’ve sustained, and help you with next steps, including pain management.

4. Internal organ damage. Damage to your internal organs is one of the most serious, yet hardest to recognize injuries you can sustain in a car accident. If you taste blood or suffer a hit to the chest or abdomen, it’s a good idea to be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. Torn spleens and punctured lungs (especially if the ribs were fractured) are common, though the symptoms of other internal organ damages aren’t always easy to recognize.

5. Psychological pain. Don’t underestimate the potential for long-term psychological damage as a result of your car accident. Many people involved in an accident, especially one that was highly damaging or fatal to another person, leave the scene with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that persist for years. Others are left with feelings of depression, especially if there was a significant physical injury or loss. There’s no cure for either of these developments, but ongoing therapy and some types of medication can help.

With any luck, you’ll avoid car accidents for as long as possible, and any crashes you’re involved in will be minor—more of an annoyance than a life-changing event. Equipped with the knowledge of what injuries you can expect and how to deal with them, you can now set yourself up for a faster and fuller recovery.

If you work in a profession that requires you to move every couple of weeks such as travel nursing, you know that road trips are prime opportunities to give in to temptation for unhealthy habits. The question people ask before embarking on a road trip is how do I stay healthy, sharp and active on a road trip?

When you think of road trips, you imagine music, chats and giggles with your friends and fast food. However, if you’re going to be travelling every couple of weeks, it is important to develop good feeding and healthy habits that have a positive impact on your wellbeing.

We’ve put together a list of the best tips and guides to make your next trip healthier, safer, and more fulfilling.

Plan ahead

Before you start your trip, enter the destination on Google map. Look out for pit stops to stretch your legs, exercise for a few minutes and eat. You’ve budgeted the entire day for the trip, so don’t have to be in a hurry to get there.

Get hydrated

Hydration is an essential part of long road trips. It helps to keep your eyes in good condition and the frequent pit stops to use the toilet is a chance to stretch your legs. Pack plenty of filtered water, more than you’ll need. The quality of tap water in some locations is suspect and buying plastic water adds to waste especially with bottles that contain biphenyl A and other chemicals.

Dress casual and light

The main priority when dressing for a long trip is comfort. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. It limits the risk of deep vein thrombosis; a condition where blood clots in your limbs travel to your bloodstream and lead to organ damage if it’s not treated on time. It usually happens when you sit in the same position for long periods or wear tight clothing.

Sleep

A long drive is rigorous on the body. Before the trip ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. Your body needs rest to drive, cross time zones, move luggage and perform other functions. If you feel tired during the trip, find a place to park and rest for a few hours. A tired driver is dangerous to themselves and everyone else on the road. The moment you start yawning and your eyes feel heavy, it's’ time to park and sleep.

Sunscreen

Continuously apply sunscreen throughout the day. If you’re travelling during summer you’re more likely to get sunburn on your left cheeks and arms so pay extra attention to those areas. A good pair of dark sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun. Exposure affects your vision and puts you at risk of eye cancer.

Lookout for food contamination

One of the major causes of traveller’s diarrhoea on road trips, food contamination happens when you eat at restaurants where the food isn’t freshly cooked. When you walk into a restaurant, look around for signs of good hygiene. Is there a different person handling cash, does the cook change gloves frequently? Do they leave raw food out in the open? Do they often wash their hands?

Try local dishes

A fun part of a travel tour is the opportunity to relish new cuisine in different locations. P.K. Scheerle, RN, CEO of Gifted Healthcare, a travel nurse agency advises holiday goers to be careful when trying spicy food on the road or food with red meat as these might cause gastrointestinal upset if they’ve not tried a similar dish in the past. “The side effect manifests in stomach cramps, pain, diarrhoea, heartburn and vomiting. Mix it up when trying new food and if you have a sensitive stomach, stick to familiar food,” she said.

Choose your food stops wisely

If you stop at a fast food, you’re going to eat fast food, but if you stop at a supermarket where you can purchase nuts, bagged fruits, salad bars, whole grains and other healthy choices, you’ll stay healthy during the trip. When shopping for food, choose food that contain protein. It provides your body with essential amino acids, stabilizes blood sugar levels, keeps you strong, and lean and sharpens your concentration.

Pick the right snacks

Take a cooler and fill it with cool packs. Load the cooler with lots of easy-to-consume healthy snacks such as low-calorie plain or Greek yoghurts, string cheese, homemade granola bars, dried seaweed snacks, healthy trail mix and meat jerky without preservatives.

Stretch frequently

You’ve looked at the map and figured out the best stops for stretching. Step out of the car and walk a bit. Do some stretches focused around your neck, hip flexors, shoulders and lower back as these areas tense up when you’re immobile. The recommended time to stop and stretch is every two hours. Walk for five minutes or longer to get blood flowing throughout your body; and Kegel exercises are great if you’re pressed for time.

Eat small portions regularly

When you eat small portions of healthy food, it signals the brain it's plentiful, which helps it burn calories at a faster pace. Smaller portions also give you more energy and keep you alert, which is a requirement if you’re driving.

Practice perfect posture

If you’re behind the wheels, comfort is essential. Bring extra pillows and seat supports to make your car seat very comfortable. Adjust the seat, seat tall and take breaks to stretch.

Keep the brain engaged

Music is an essential part of every road trip. Your playlist should contain songs you can sing to, interesting audiobooks or podcast to pass the time. Another way to keep the brain active is to exercise. Pack a few workout tools in the vehicle such as dumbbells and if you have time, take a hike in the countryside.

Conclusion

Implementing these simple tips to your travel plan reduces the risk of falling ill on a road trip. The best thing to do on the road is to listen to your body. If you’re hungry, tired, thirsty or feeling sick, stop and take care of your body. Don’t push through discomfort as it exacerbates the situation. Your road trip is more fun when you stay healthy and active.

There are many ways in which you can stay healthy, but we do not use any of them if we feel it is not necessary at the moment. Procrastination is the biggest enemy in this case, and if you let it control your mind, you’ll never be healthy ever. So, make a smart decision and keep looking for motivation to stay healthy all the time. If you want to get started, here are some motivational tips to help you stay healthy.

1. Start small

Burning yourself with some of the most difficult healthgoals is not a smart thing to do because it will only demotivate you and force you to avoid looking for ways in which you can stay healthy. So, start small and make easy changes in your lifestyle to get into the habit of staying healthy. Small changes can have a big impact on your life, and so you should start looking for small goals that can make a big impact.

2. Maintain a food log

Maintaining of food log will help you in analyzing what has been consumed by you and what quantity on a daily basis. This will not only help you and restrict yourself from consuming food that is not good for you but also helps dietitian guide you with what good has been consumed by you and what should be avoided. Remember that it will only help you if you are honest with the same and you’ll be happy with the painful efforts taken by you in this direction.

3. Look and analyze the diet followed by others

It is true that if something is good for someone else, it might not necessarily be good for you. However, there are a number of common points that can be noted down and used for your benefit. So, it is advisable to look and analyze the diet followed by others. If you do not have enough time to stalk others, you can follow your favorite celebrities on popular entertainment shows like Bigg Boss. Such shows will help you in understanding the routine of your favorite celebrities and give your ideas that can work for you, as well as your health clothes, are concerned.

4. Don't keep junk food around you

With junk food being an option for you, you’ll be tempted to consume it more often. Start looking for ways in which you can replace junk food with healthy food options like fruits. At the same time, you can look out for quick recipes that can keep you away from unnecessary junk food options and keep you full whenever you are hungry.

If you’re healthy, you may not have a plan for dealing with medical expenses because you’re used to not having any. Maybe you exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet that keeps your immune system strong, so a trip to the hospital never crosses your mind.

However, even healthy people experience medical bills. Sometimes it’s an accident or a simple visit to the ER for an injury. If you’re healthy, here are 3 tips for dealing with unexpected medical bills:

1. Keep an emergency fund

Maybe you don’t pay for health insurance because you never need it. Despite the national mandate in the US, many people prefer to remain self-insured and pay for medical costs out of pocket. For those who don’t rely on medical services, this is a more affordable option. Although, it only works when you maintain an emergency fund.

2. Appeal all insurance denials

Maybe you just went to the ER for something small, and ended up with a $2,000 bill, thanks to your insurance rejecting your claim. If your insurance won’t cover your medications or procedures and you think they ought to, challenge it.

Insurance companies are for-profit corporations that make money by collecting monthly premiums and paying on as few claims as possible. It’s in their financial best interest to deny your claim, so that’s what they’re going to do if they can get away with it.

It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to deny claims, even when coverage is clearly outlined in your policy. They’re hoping you won’t notice, so it’s up to you to make sure their denial is legitimate.

If you’re generally healthy, you may not experience this problem unless you experience an unexpected injury, like in a car accident. In that case, you’ll need a car accident lawyer to help you navigate your case. A lawyer is your only hope of covering your medical bills. After you read the next tip, you’ll see why.

3. Triple check all medical bills line by line

You have a right to know what you’re being billed for. Hospitals are notorious for billing patients for items described using jargon and unintelligible descriptions, hoping they won’t question it. They’re also known to bill patients for services they never received, and overinflate charges for services that cost next to nothing.

If you don’t understand everything on your bill, call the hospital’s billing department and get clear about what you’re being charged for. Request that they remove any charges that shouldn’t exist.

Plenty of people have successfully negotiated their medical bills down from thousands of dollars to just hundreds. For example, Karen Nielson had an emergency appendectomy and was billed for $24,000.

“I didn’t think about the price at all because I knew that I had insurance, and I have savings to cover the deductibles,” she said. “I was too worried about my appendix bursting to think about the price.”

She fought her bill all the way down to $500.

If you push hard enough, the hospital will change the billing codes, or add modifiers, that will get your bills covered.

Overinflated charges make up the majority of hospital bills

You’ve probably heard people complain about hospitals charging $15 per Tylenol for patients admitted to the ER. It’s true. Over-the-counter pain relief is just one of many services with an overinflated charge to the patient. You also pay for the cup they put your pain killers in, and there’s a service fee for the nurse handing you your meds.

If you receive an injection, you could get charged for the cotton swab they use to prep the injection site. One patient was charged $7 per alcohol pad during his entire hospital stay. You’ll also pay for that cheap plastic bag you’re supposed to put your belongings in – whether you want it or not.

The most shocking charges you might find on your hospital bill are for supplies doctors reuse for other patients like the strap used to hold you down during surgery, and warming blankets. It’s almost like they’re charging a service fee for using the equipment, and that’s not fair.

Some hospital charges are downright cheating, as this man found out when he was billed $39.95 for “skin-to-skin” time to hold his son after he was delivered by Caesarian section.

Always question charges for supplies

Always question if you’re billed for supplies like gowns, sheets, gloves, alcohol pads, and cotton swabs. These items are considered part of doing business, and the hospital is supposed to cover these costs.

The idea of working in health, fitness, or the medical field is something a lot of people think about. Maybe even you have given it serious consideration in your life. A career in an allied health field is more beneficial than you probably realize and might be right for you.

5 Benefits of Working in Allied Healthcare

There’s a lot to like about the career opportunities in the allied health field. Career options include specialties like rehabilitation therapy, nutritional therapy, diagnostic services, speech-language pathology, and much more. But aside from the diversity of options, what are the biggest benefits of working in allied healthcare?

Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to give this field some consideration.

1. High Demand and Job Security

Once you find yourself in the allied health field, you won’t have trouble getting work. Demand for allied health professionals is at an all-time high. The field is expected to grow from 15.6 million jobs back in 2010 to 19.8 million by the end of 2020. The fastest-growing professions in the field are: certified occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and speech language pathologists.

2. Improving Pay

In addition to the job security that comes with a career in allied health, you can also expect to make a pretty comfortable salary. Median salaries range from $50,000 to $80,000 in many fields, with many of the top professionals making six figures. There are also plenty of opportunities to improve your pay over time. The salary outlook is bright and experienced people can expect to see their pay rise considerably every few years.

3. Flexible Education Options

One of the best parts about allied healthcare is that you don’t necessarily need a graduate degree. Some of the fields simply require a bachelor’s degree and specialized training. For example, if you’re interested in being a medical laboratory scientist, many universities offer straightforward BS degrees that can be earned while still working a job. In fact, The University of Southern Mississippi has a program where current medical laboratory technicians can get their degree and become a Medical Laboratory Scientist while completing the required clinical at their current place of employment.

4. Fulfilling Work

There’s something to be said for doing a job that gives you purpose and meaning. (Want a more positive outlook.) For some people, sitting at a computer all day is their dream job. But that might not be the job for you. You might be looking for a career in allied health that offers fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

If you want a job that’s meaningful and helps others, a career in an allied health field could be exactly what you’re looking for. Depending on the specialty you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to better people’s lives on a daily basis.

5. Chance to Move Around

Are you looking for the opportunity to see new places and experience new things? Wherever you go, there’s a demand for allied health professionals. Whether you want to return to your hometown, move across the country, or travel the globe and live on another continent, you’ll have many opportunities to continue your career.

Putting it All Together

There are plenty of logical reasons to pursue a career in allied healthcare, but at the end of the day, it comes down to you and your passion. Are you interested in working closely alongside people to help them get the care they need in situations that can be, challenging? If you have a passion for people and have always been intrigued by healthcare, a career in an allied health field just might be your perfect choice.

Some studies show that the occasional glass of wine can benefit your health, but there are even more that demonstrate the negative effects of alcohol. Alcoholism can ruin relationships and make it difficult to keep your job, but there are even greater impacts on your health.

The more alcohol you consume, the greater physical risk you face. Unfortunately, alcohol is an addictive substance that can easily get out of hand as time goes on. If you want to continue living a healthy and active lifestyle, treatment for your addiction is essential. Understanding the worst effects of excessive alcohol on the body is the first step.

1. Liver Damage

Damage to the liver is of chief concern for alcoholics. The liver’s primary function is to decompose and remove substances that would cause harm to the body. As you pump your body with alcohol, your liver must work overtime to filter it. The organ will swell and form scar tissue. You might end up with chronic liver inflammation (making it difficult for the liver to do its job) and liver disease.

About 15 percent of alcoholics will develop liver disease, which is life-threatening. Toxins and waste will build up in your body because of the inflammation and damage. This risk is more common in women than in men because a woman’s liver needs more time to process toxins.

2. Harm to Central Nervous System

One of the surest ways to tell that someone has been using alcohol is to look for cues of the central nervous system. Slurred speech, short-term memory loss, numbness in feet and hands, coordination problems, and other nervous system issues are usually telltale signs that someone has been drinking.

Over time, any of these nervous system issues can become a permanent fixture in the body. Your brain will struggle to categorize long-term memories and frontal lobe damage can occur. Since this is the area of the brain responsible for emotional control, short-term memory, and rational judgment, it can significantly change your personality and ability to control situations.

3.Blood Sugar Disorders

Both the liver and pancreas work to regulate insulin levels and maintain a strong glucose signature. However, when alcohol impairs these two vital organs, you’re more likely to suffer from blood sugar disorders like hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood sugar, in which the damaged pancreas is no longer able to produce enough insulin to use glucose properly. Hyperglycemia occurs when there’s too much sugar in the blood, which decreases your energy and can cause unhealthy weight loss. Both conditions can lead to diabetes and possibly death—if not treated carefully.

4. Weakened Immune System

With cold and season in full swing, a weakened immune system can be very dangerous. Consuming high levels of alcohol for an extended period of time will damage immune support and make it difficult to effectively ward off viruses and germs. When you get sick, your body is supposed to develop immunities that will prevent you from getting the same illnesses again, but too much alcohol can inhibit this function as well.

A failing immune system is very dangerous since your body will struggle to fight off common infections like pneumonia. Those with alcoholism are also more likely to develop tuberculosis as well, with about 10 percent of all TB cases around the world being associated with alcohol consumption. Your body is unable to fight off these illnesses, even if you’re recovering from alcoholism.

5. Cancer Risk

Perhaps the most frightening impact of heavy alcohol consumption is your increased risk for cancer. Liver cancer is among the most common since alcohol’s impact is usually heaviest on this organ. Mouth, throat, esophagus, and colon cancer are also prevalent, and the problem is exacerbated if you smoke or use tobacco.

According to an ASCO survey of more than 4,016 adults, just under one-third of adults are unaware of the risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption, even though nearly six percent of cancer deaths around the world are attributable to alcohol. Alcoholics have a 15 percent higher risk for developing cancer, a percentage that grows with every drop of alcohol consumed.

In general, alcohol consumption comes with its risks, but the more and longer you drink, the worse it gets. Keeping your body healthy and well starts with understanding the impacts of heavy alcohol consumption on the body and how limiting its use can essentially save your life.

No matter how careful you are or how well you take care of your teeth, accidents can happen. You could chip a tooth unexpectedly, or develop a gum disease through no fault of your own. However, the vast majority of dental health problems are preventable, and attributable to long-standing habits that either slowly wear away the strength of your teeth, or put you at greater risk for acute issues.

These habits often manifest and perpetuate over the course of years to decades before they start showing an impact on your teeth, and if you know what to look for, they’re almost entirely preventable.

Bad Habits for Teeth

Some habits leading to teeth and gum problems are obvious, but others are less commonly known. Take a good look at this list, and make sure you’re avoiding all these habits entirely:

Neglecting brushing and flossing. You’ve heard the advice a thousand times before, but brushing and flossing regularly are the most important things you can do for your teeth. Make sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal, and floss at least once a day. These habits will remove plaque and harmful bacteria from your teeth, which will otherwise cause tooth decay and other problems. If you forget to brush your teeth sometimes, or if you skip flossing altogether, you’ll be at much higher risk of poor dental health.

Eating sugary foods (especially without brushing afterward). Even if you do brush, eating sugary foods regularly can put you at greater risk for cavities and other negative health consequences. Avoid candy, especially kinds that stick to your teeth, and sugary soft drinks as much as possible. If you do eat sugary foods, make sure you brush your teeth afterward.

Improperly whitening your teeth. There’s a bit of a debate over whether whitening your teeth can wear down your enamel, leading to tooth decay, weaker, more sensitive teeth, and other problems. Intuitively, it makes sense, but extensive testing shows that as long as you’re using products with a content of less than 10 percent carbon peroxide, there’s no danger to your teeth. Just make sure you’re using approved products as directed; abusing whitening products can still lead to problems.

Chewing on ice. Chewing ice may be an entertaining way to finish off a soft drink or cool off in the summertime, but it’s not good for your teeth. Chewing ice puts your teeth at risk of cracking or chipping, and those odds can increase over time with repetition.

Playing sports without a mouth guard. Contact sports put your mouth at risk of injuries, such as chipped teeth or lost teeth, but using a mouth guard can significantly reduce your chances of getting hurt. However, it’s important to realize that contact sports aren’t the only ones capable of injuring your teeth and mouth; almost any sport you can think of can pose a threat, so it’s a good idea to wear a mouth guard any time you get physically active, just in case.

Using your teeth as tools. Using your teeth as tools, such as relying on them to open plastic bags, or worse, opening beer bottles, can also wreak havoc on them. You could put excessive strain on them, put them at risk of being cracked or chipped, and cause damage that could lead to greater chances of tooth decay in the future. Stick to actual tools to do your dirty work.

Chewing or biting non-food items. In an effect like those of chewing on ice or using your teeth as tools, chronically biting or chewing on non-food items can be bad for your teeth as well. If you find yourself chewing on pencils or pens regularly, it’s time to find a new anxious habit to pass the time.

Visiting the Dentist

If you’re concerned about how your habits might be affecting your dental health, or if you just want to make sure your teeth are in good shape, make sure to pay your dentist a visit. Even a simple cleaning can keep your teeth in good shape, and detect any problems that might grow worse with further neglect. You might not enjoy the thought of visiting the dentist, but it’s far better to go before something’s wrong than to wait until you’re in great pain or facing a dental emergency.

For many people, an ideal weekend is one spent sleeping in and being lazy around the house. In fact, the last thing you probably want to do is spend your weekend sleeping on the ground in the middle of the woods. However, research and personal experience show that a weekend spent camping can rejuvenate the body and soul like little else.

Understanding the Health Benefits of Being in Nature

It’s easy to shy away from spending time in nature because of the perceived fears that come with being uncomfortable, but the reality is that there are far more pros than cons. From a personal health perspective, here are some of the benefits research has identified.

1. Natural Stress Relief

“A number of small studies hint that spending time in green space — nature preserves, woodlands, and even urban parks — may ease people’s stress levels,” explains Julie Corliss, Executive Editor for the Harvard Heart Letter. “Giving the growing consensus that stress contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease risk, anything you can do to mitigate stress is likely helpful.”

While a short afternoon hike might be nice, an entire weekend spent disconnected from email, devices, and depressing network news could do wonders for you.

2. Weight Loss

From a very practical perspective, spending time in nature allows you to burn calories and lose weight. Not only are you hiking and moving around, but you’re also more likely to eat healthy.

There’s something about eating a meal that’s been cooked over an open fire that makes it taste extra delicious. As Barebones Living puts it, “The flavor produced by cast iron can’t be achieved by any other method. The flavors from years of seasoning create a base that blend to produce something magical.”

When you have the advantage of such unique cooking opportunities, you’re much more willing to try new recipes and test out new meals. For many, the result is fresher, healthier food that – in tandem with an increase in physical activity – results in natural weight loss.

3. Boost in Creative Thinking

If you ever feel like all your creative energy is zapped, maybe you just need to spend a couple of days in nature. A study conducted by Stanford University found that people who spend time in nature experience a natural shift in how they view time. Instead of feeling pressured by time, people feel like they have an abundance of time. This leads to more creative thinking, better memory, and an ability to problem-solve from a unique perspective.

4. Increase in Overall Satisfaction

When it’s all said and done, spending time in nature simply leads to more satisfaction, which results in a healthier mind, body, and soul. And, to be honest, you don’t even have to spend time deep in the woods. According to one study, office workers who simply have a view of nature exhibit signs of lower stress and higher job satisfaction.

5. Enhanced Self-Confidence

One of the byproducts of being in nature is that it forces you to learn new skills. You are responsible for providing or finding everything, including food, water, and shelter. At the end of the day, learning these skills improves your self-confidence and gives you a greater feeling of independence.

Make Time for Nature

If you aren’t intrinsically drawn to nature, then you’ll have to carve out time in your schedule to go camping, hiking, climbing, boating, etc. to connect with nature. Spending regular time in nature each week will provide the most benefit to your mind, body, and soul.

Your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body. Not only is it integral to breathing, eating, drinking, and talking, but it also has an impact on the overall health of your body. If you aren’t paying enough attention to your oral health care, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Give Your Mouth the Attention it Deserves

Your mouth is the gateway to your body, which is why people with serious gum disease are 40 percent more likely to have another chronic condition on top of it. In order to understand why, you have to recognize what’s actually going on inside your body.

As WebMD explains, “Bacteria that builds up on teeth make gums prone to infection. The immune system moves in to attack the infection and the gums become inflamed. The inflammation continues unless the infection is brought under control.”

While the gums are obviously affected, inflammation that starts in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body and is often linked to other conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and even osteoporosis.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few practical tips for better oral health:

1. See the Dentist Regularly

One of the absolute best things you can do for your oral health is to see the dentist regularly. Ideally, this means setting up at least two teeth cleanings/exams per year.

Obviously, nobody loves going to the dentist. Not only are there fears and anxieties associated with getting poked and prodded, but it can be expensive. By overcoming these points of friction, you’re more likely to schedule regular appointments. From a cost perspective, one of the best things you can do is invest in a dental saving plan, like DentalSave.

Your parents were right when they told you to brush and floss. Research continues to show the benefits of daily brushing and flossing. Not only does it reduce the risk of cavities, but it also lowers your risk of periodontal disease and long-term oral health issues. It takes less than five minutes to do both – so just do it!

3. Quit Bad Behaviors

It should go without saying, but don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Not only does tobacco stain teeth, but it also dramatically increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Along these same lines, coffee doesn’t do your mouth any favors. Try to cut back on the amount you drink and remember to brush immediately so that you don’t stain those pearly whites.

4. Change Out Your Toothbrush Frequently

Toothbrushes aren’t meant to last forever. Bacteria builds up and they begin to lose their ability to properly scrub.

“Bristles deteriorate with time and usage, so if you're using the same toothbrush beyond a few months, you may not be getting the best clean anymore,” Jae Curtis writes for Colgate. “Rather, make a point of getting a new brush every three to four months – or at your semiannual dental checkup.”

5. Use a Tongue Scraper

You might brush your tongue every now and then, but it needs more attention than that. For best results, purchase a tongue scraper and use it at least once a day to remove all that nasty bacteria.

Putting it All Together

Oral healthcare isn’t just about preventing cavities and having fresh breath. While those are great things, you’re ultimately caring for your entire body. For a complete oral health regimen that’s perfectly suited to your individual needs, please consult with your dentist.

In the United States, the biotech industry has seen some impressive developments in recent years. On the one hand, the emergence of several more competitors has made the sector increasingly attractive, both in terms of stocks and in terms of the activities that these companies perform.

Some of the key players range from Gilead to Regeneron, all of which have excellent five-year average sales growths. While several of these companies produce innovative pharmaceuticals with the help of which severe diseases such as Hepatitis C can be treated or, at least, alleviated the symptoms of, others are also involved in the manufacture of basic diagnostic equipment such as refractometers.

We have put together a list of the top five biotech companies in the United States right now. If the topic appeals to you in any way, don’t hesitate to keep on reading.

Gilead

This research-based company develops unique medicines most of which address the requirements of people suffering from diseases for which there are little to no cures. Gilead’s portfolio ranges from treatment regimens designed for HIV infections to investigational drugs used in the treatment of cancer, liver diseases, and various cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

Amgen

As one of the innovators in the field, Amgen creates medicine for bone health, oncology, neuroscience, inflammation, nephrology, and cardiovascular conditions. As the company is a subsidiary of deCODE Genetics, it strives to make a difference when it comes to perfectly matching the type of drug for the type of disease.

The Amgen ‘biology first’ approach is unique when compared to that of its competitors, in that it heavily relies on studying biological mechanisms so as to predict the effects of the medicine as accurately as possible.

Celgene

As the third key player in the biotech industry in the United States, Celgene creates life-changing treatments for patients suffering from immune and inflammatory conditions, as well as various types of cancer. Over 300 clinical trials at medical centers where Celgene compounds are used exist nowadays and are employed to develop new methods of fighting diseases like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or triple-negative breast cancer.

Biogen

Unlike other companies in the same field, Biogen has developed an approved treatment for SMA, which stands for spinal muscular atrophy. When it comes to neurodegenerative and neurological diseases, this company is one of the leading developers of new and effective solutions. Biogen is also a leader multiple sclerosis research since at a global level, every one in three MS patients is undergoing treatment with a Biogen product.

Regeneron

Regeneron is another technology and science company that manages to deliver innovative medicines for life-threatening conditions. Regenon has six FDA-approved medicines designed for the treatment of conditions ranging from asthma to infectious diseases. Having been founded approximately thirty years ago, Regenon is one of the oldest biotech companies in the United States market. It has over five thousand employees worldwide, over seven hundred of which have a Ph.D., PharmD, or MD degree. All of the drugs developed by the company are created in-house.